Rice stocks are abundant; Indonesia to expand exports

Rice stocks are abundant and the government is set to broaden Indonesia’s export role while ensuring domestic food security. Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan) Sudaryono said that strong rice stockpiles and rising production allow Indonesia not only to meet domestic needs but also to expand as a supplier for partner countries. “We have already shipped 10,000 tonnes of rice to Palestine. Then to Saudi Arabia about 2,000 tonnes. Looking ahead, we hope that not only Indonesian pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah will consume Indonesian rice, but also pilgrims from other countries,” Sudaryono told a parliamentary hearing with the House of Representatives Commission IV in the Parliamentary Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (19 May), as quoted in a official statement. He stressed that all export policies are measured and cautious so as not to disrupt domestic needs. “All exports are calculated carefully. We must not let domestic needs be disrupted,” asserted Sudaryono, who is also the chairman of HKTI (Himpunan Kerukunan Tani Indonesia).

Previously, Indonesia recorded its first export of premium rice amounting to 2,280 tonnes, worth around Rp 38 billion, to Saudi Arabia. The export aims to meet the needs of approximately 215,000 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. Looking ahead, the Saudi market is seen as a major potential, especially to serve Umrah pilgrims and Indonesians living there, totalling around 2 million people per year.

In addition to exports, the government is also distributing humanitarian aid comprising 10,000 tonnes of rice to Palestine, in line with solidarity and in follow-up to President Prabowo Subinato’s directive. Sudaryono said the government’s optimism for expanding exports is supported by the current national rice stock level, which is the highest in history. As of 18 May 2026, the government’s main rice reserve stock (CBP) stood at around 5.37 million tonnes. This level not only underpins national food security but also provides room for Indonesia to undertake exports and humanitarian aid. “Our stock is abundant, already 5.3 million tonnes. The production potential and absorption going forward are also very large,” Sudaryono said.

The government expects that even with stocks used for the Stabilisation of Food Supply and Prices (SPHP) programme, humanitarian aid, provision of premium rice, and exports, the national rice reserve level at the end of 2026 will remain safe. “We predict stock levels at the end of December 2026 to stay in the range of around 5 million tonnes, possibly a little below or above. Because production continues and needs remain,” he explained.

Separately, Indonesia’s rice production in 2025 reached 34.69 million tonnes, up by 4.07 million tonnes or around 13.29% from the previous year. With domestic needs of about 2.5–2.6 million tonnes per month, Indonesia is seen as having ample room to expand export markets without destabilising domestic supply.

Sudaryono also revealed that the government is exploring cooperation with several countries with potential to become new export markets. “We have begun talks with several countries. Exports must of course be calculated commercially, from price to quantity. For now, it’s a business-to-business process and finalising agreements,” he said. The plan aligns with the President’s directive that Indonesia should help partner countries facing food crises due to war, international trade disruptions, or other global crises.